Wool dilemma

[Skinnybill]

Need opinions. Live in southeastern MI and gonna buy some wool from Rob at sporting woolens (classic bowman).  Can't decide if I want a Rover or Double Rover jacket. I'm a layering fool hahaha. I always carry a backpack w extra clothes.  I don't like bulky. I would rather layer with multiple thin layers. I had heard both jackets are mid weight and not real heavy. What would you guys recommend. Oh yah getting a vest too for layering. Thanks

[wooddamon1]

I'd get a double for less layers to wear, but a single may be more versatile in MI...

Good luck choosing, that looks like some great stuff!

[maineac]

Another recent post praised Rob for his helpfulness. Why don't you call and ask him?  He knows his products better than anyone.

[Nosight]

Cover all of the bases and get both....

Get them in XXL and send them to me for proper testing....

Later....Buzz

hello  fellow  bowman  - Rob here---

Some info on wool, wool can be bought in various weights from about 9 ounces used for shirts to 30 ounce for very heavy jackets.
Some wool shirts like pendelton are worsted--- which is very tightly wooven --- a good light shirt-  shirts can also be up to 18 ounces.
When I first started making jackets I used 18 ounce wool. Then desided to go to 20 ounce wool.
MY wool has what is called a hard pressed finished-- which tightens it and give it a cleaner look---
MY Rover jacket is 20 ounce, made for layering,
for early spring to late fall. I do sell jackets to what I call Ridge runners---guys that move, stalk, they want a mid weight wool jacket--
MY Double Rover has a cape on  it -- front and back-- this give you double protection-- and yet allowes you to layer ---
I have found that most heavy jackets or coats stay on the hanger most of the year---
Proper layering is the key --
HOw to properly layer --
Best base-- Merino Wool -- light to  mid weight-
unless you are in Canada---
Then a  mid to light weight wool shirt---
Then if necessary a wool vest or a good wool sweater. There are any number of good wind stopping layers if you intend to stand.
If you are walking to your stand or just cruzing
you will be warm and sweating in no time---
carry as much as you can--- you might be a bit cold for the first 50 -100 yards --- but you will avoid sweating---
There are times when a heavy coat is necessary---
but for 90% of the time layering is the way to go-
It is my opinion, wool clothing should not be lined -- it stops the wool from doing what it does best, that is regulate your body temp.
NO man made fabric can duplicate the properties of wool ---
Most outfitters still  recomend on there "to bring" list --- a wool shirt -- jacket and pants-
There is no better feeling than putting on a wool jacket on a cold morning---
Stay warm my friend     Rob T

[Dave Pagel]

Skinny Bill,

I don't know where you are in SE Michigan, but if you need to see the clothes to make a decision. let me know.  I have worn these clothes for the last two seasons and have been very pleased.  I went with the Double Rover and while they aren't lined, I too layer and have been good to most bowhunting temps with no issue.

D.P.

[Skinnybill]

Dave,
I'm a mile north of Toledo OH in Ottawa Lake MI. I would love to see the wool you have. Where are you located?

[Dave Pagel]

We are very close. I am in Temperance.

D.P.

[Skinnybill]

I just left Dave's house, and no longer a dilemma.  I'm going with the double rover.  It is still lightweight enough for layering yet gives you a bit more protection with the cape.  As Dave stated, it is nice when it starts to mist.  

Anyways, just wanted to thank everyone and especially thank Dave.  Very nice guy and we both shoot at the same club and didn't know it.  Take care all!!!

[Dave Pagel]

Glad I could help Bill.  Enjoy the wool and I will see you at Tomahawk sometime.

D.P.

[Jason Hansen]

You won't be disappointed at all.  His products are well worth the money and will last a lifetime.  I haven't hunted in mine yet...I just got it last week, but it will be broke in this year.

[Hopewell Tom]

The Double was what I thought I'd get. I like the extra on the shoulders. Good to know about the layering and wool weight concept of this clothing. That's exactly how I like to dress for outside.
I'll be going with a thin, insulated, wind cutting vest of some sort.

[Skinnybill]

Jason,

Just wanted to say hi to a fellow Dane.  You have the blood of vikings running through your veins...hahaha, my last name is Hansen too.  I may be going to Denmark this August which would be my dream trip.  Been talking about it for a long time.

Anyways, back to the topic.  Yes, Dave's jacket is very nice.  I was quite impressed with the hat.  It is like a stormy kromer, but has inside flaps and the outside slides down further.  I can't wait to order.  I already have a Delta Green shirt on order, and just waiting for the new catalog to get the rest.  Take care.

Bill

[tzolk]

Bill, Have you checked out the Asbells woolens? Very nice and affordable!

[Jason Hansen]

PM sent.  

I too am on the list for a shirt in Glenn's Little Delta Green and the Grousehaven Plaid...can't wait.  Of course, I know it will be worth the wait for all of us on that list.

Originally posted by Skinnybill:
Jason,

Just wanted to say hi to a fellow Dane.  You have the blood of vikings running through your veins...hahaha, my last name is Hansen too.  I may be going to Denmark this August which would be my dream trip.  Been talking about it for a long time.

Anyways, back to the topic.  Yes, Dave's jacket is very nice.  I was quite impressed with the hat.  It is like a stormy kromer, but has inside flaps and the outside slides down further.  I can't wait to order.  I already have a Delta Green shirt on order, and just waiting for the new catalog to get the rest.  Take care.

Bill

[reddogge]

I've worn the double rover for two winters now and it is perfect.

While the Asbells make a nice product for the money these coats are made like a tailored garment you'd buy from a fine outdoor clothing store.